Carolina Wilga, 26, lost in the Australian outback for 11 nights, was finally rescued after being spotted by a passerby. She survived by drinking rainwater and eating small supplies, but faced exhaustion and injuries.
German Backpacker Rescued After 11 Days in the Australian Outback
German Backpacker Rescued After 11 Days in the Australian Outback
A 26-year-old German traveler survived in the wilderness of Western Australia, relying on rainwater and minimal food supplies before her rescue.
In a miraculous tale of survival, Carolina Wilga, a 26-year-old backpacker from Germany, was found after spending 11 harrowing nights lost in the vast expanse of Western Australia's outback. According to police reports, Wilga endured the ordeal by drinking rainwater from puddles and seeking shelter in a cave to protect herself from the elements.
Rescue efforts came to fruition on Friday when she was located and airlifted to a hospital in Perth. Authorities described her condition as serious, affected by exhaustion, dehydration, and numerous insect bites, in addition to dealing with an injured foot. Acting Police Inspector Jessica Securo remarked that the backpacker had ventured about 24 kilometers (15 miles) from her van, navigating through rugged terrain in a "confused and disorientated" state after her vehicle became trapped in the remote bushland.
Prior to her rescue, family members expressed their deep concern as Carolina had convinced herself that she might never be found. The Western Australia police related the story of survival, highlighting that she had minimal food supplies which she rationed during her long ordeal.
The turning point in her rescue came when a passing motorist, Tania Henley, noticed Wilga waving for help by the roadside. Henley reported that Wilga appeared fragile and vulnerable, noting that the harsh environment made survival all the more daunting. "Everything in this bush is very prickly. I just can't believe that she survived," Henley commented, detailing that Wilga was barefoot and had wrapped her foot for support.
Before her disappearance, Wilga was last seen at a general store in the nearby town of Beacon on June 29. Her abandoned vehicle was discovered by police just one day prior to her rescue in a dense area of bushland, suggesting that she had lost control of her van due to mechanical issues.
Now recovering in the hospital, Ms. Wilga has reportedly had a good night’s sleep and is focused on taking her recovery one step at a time.
